Rectangular Food Vessel (fang ding) with Flattened Feet in the Form of Kui-Dragons

Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Shang dynasty, c.1600–c.1046 BCE
Date: 11th century BCE
Material: Bronze
made in: Yidu, Shandong province, China, Asia
Classification: Containers, metalwork
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 233
Dimensions: height: 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)
width across handles: 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
depth of mouth: 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
width of body: 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm)
depth of body: 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
weight: 5 lb. 3.2 oz. (2.4 kg)
Credit Line: Spink Asian Art Collection, Bequest of Edith J. and C. C. Johnson Spink
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 34:2014

NOTES

Four, large-beaked birds with long tails support a shallow, square basin. The shape is based on rectangular sacrificial vessels of an earlier period, however the sculptural quality of the birds and the hooked flanges are features of the vigorous later style. Inscriptions for signifying clans are commonly found on Shang dynasty bronzes.

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